U.S. patent application number 13/390531 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-08 for method, system and item.
Invention is credited to Archiveades Georgiou, Antony Zenonos.
Application Number | 20120281856 13/390531 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43531200 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120281856 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Georgiou; Archiveades ; et
al. |
November 8, 2012 |
METHOD, SYSTEM AND ITEM
Abstract
A method of enabling a hearer to hear desired sound while also
being able to be aware of ambient sound, comprises providing a
first non-audio signal representative of said desired sound,
deriving a second non-audio signal from said ambient sound,
combining the first and second non-audio signals in providing a
third non-audio signal, and converting said third non-audio signal
into sound.
Inventors: |
Georgiou; Archiveades;
(Ilford, GB) ; Zenonos; Antony; (Enfield,
GB) |
Family ID: |
43531200 |
Appl. No.: |
13/390531 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
August 16, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB10/01549 |
371 Date: |
April 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
381/94.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10K 11/17885 20180101;
G10K 11/17823 20180101; G10K 11/17837 20180101; G10K 11/17835
20180101; G10K 2210/3027 20130101; G10K 11/17873 20180101; H04R
1/1083 20130101; G10K 2210/1081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/94.2 |
International
Class: |
H04B 15/00 20060101
H04B015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 15, 2009 |
GB |
0914324.9 |
Mar 25, 2010 |
GB |
1005027.6 |
Claims
67. A method of enabling a hearer to hear desired sound while also
being able to be aware of ambient sound, comprising providing a
first non-audio signal representative of said desired sound,
deriving a second non-audio signal representative of said ambient
sound without phase shift, combining the first and second non-audio
signals in providing a combined non-audio signal, converting said
combined non-audio signal into sound, and further comprising
providing, for said second non-audio signal, one or both of a lower
threshold and an upper threshold representative of a lower
threshold and an upper threshold for the volume and/or frequency of
said ambient sound.
68. A method according to claim 67, and further comprising
adjusting said lower threshold and/or said upper threshold for said
second non-audio signal.
69. A method according to claim 67, and further comprising emitting
an alert upon exceeding of said lower threshold and/or said upper
threshold for said second non-audio signal.
70. A method according to claim 67, and further comprising
adjusting said second non-audio signal to represent adjustment of
the volume and/or frequency of said ambient sound.
71. A method according to claim 67 and further comprising providing
a third non-audio signal representative of a partially cancelling,
ambient audio signal, and combining the first, second and third
non-audio signals in providing said combined signal.
72. A method according to claim 71 and further comprising providing
a fourth non-audio signal representative of a fully cancelling
ambient audio signal and combining the first, second, third and
fourth audio signals in providing said combined signal.
73. A method according to claim 71, and in the form of selective
sound cancellation giving differentiation between wanted and
unwanted sounds.
74. A method according to claim 73, wherein said third non-audio
signal has been preset before said providing thereof.
75. A method according to claim 74, wherein a user selects which
sound to cancel by choosing the preset non-audio signal from among
a range of differing, preset non-audio signals.
76. A method according to claim 75, wherein the preset non-audio
signal comprises one or more sound-cancelling parameters.
77. A method according to claim 73, wherein a user selects which
sound to cancel by varying one or more sound-cancelling
parameters.
78. A method according to claim 77, wherein the one or more
sound-cancelling parameters are: amount of phase shift; time delay;
individual frequencies; volume; equaliser (hi, hi-mid, mid, lo-mid,
and/or lo); compression; gating; spectral enhancement; threshold;
range; gain; ratio; attack; release; minimum; maximum; sensitivity,
vocal, or reverberation or any combination thereof.
79. A method according to claim 67, wherein the sound into which
said combined non-audio signal is converted is transmitted to a
listener in a space and through air in said space and containing
said listener.
80. A system for enabling a hearer to hear desired sound while also
being able to be aware of ambient sound, comprising a first
outputting device adapted to output a first non-audio signal
representative of said desired sound, a second outputting device
adapted to output a second non-audio signal representative of said
ambient sound without phase shift, a combining arrangement adapted
to combine the first and second non-audio signals to provide a
combined non-audio signal, and a converting device adapted to emit
sound converted from said combined non-audio signal, wherein said
second outputting device is adapted to provide one or both of a
lower threshold and an upper threshold for said second non-audio
signal.
81. A system according to claim 80, wherein said second outputting
device is adjustable to adjust said lower threshold and/or said
upper threshold.
82. A system according to claim 80, and further comprising an
alerting device able to communicate with said second outputting
device to alert to exceeding of said first threshold and/or said
second threshold.
83. A system according to claim 80, wherein said second outputting
device is adjustable to adjust said second non-audio signal
84. A method of partially cancelling sound, comprising: providing a
first non-audio signal representative of a desired audio signal to
be listened to; providing a second non-audio signal representative
of a partially-cancelling, ambient audio signal; and combining the
first and second non-audio signals in providing a heard audio
signal.
85. A method according to claim 84, and in the form of selective
sound cancellation giving differentiation between wanted and
unwanted sounds.
86. A method according to claim 84, wherein said second non-audio
signal has been preset before said providing thereof.
87. A method according to claim 86, wherein a user selects which
sound to cancel by choosing the preset non-audio signal from among
a range of differing, preset non-audio signals.
88. A method according to claim 87, wherein the preset non-audio
signal comprises one or more sound-cancelling parameters.
89. A method according to claim 85, wherein a user selects which
sound to cancel by varying one or more sound-cancelling
parameters.
90. A method according to claim 89, wherein the one or more
sound-cancelling parameters are: amount of phase shift; time delay;
individual frequencies; volume; equaliser (hi, hi-mid, mid, lo-mid,
and/or lo); compression; gating; spectral enhancement; threshold;
range; gain; ratio; attack; release; minimum; maximum; sensitivity,
vocal, or reverberation or any combination thereof.
91. A method according to claim 84 and further comprising
transmitting said heard audio signal to a listener in a space and
through air in said space and containing said listener.
92. A method according to claim 84 and further comprising:
providing a substantially fully cancelling, phase-altered, third
non-audio signal; and combining the first, second and third
non-audio signals in providing said heard audio signal.
93. A system for partially cancelling sound, comprising: a first
outputting device adapted to output a first non-audio signal
representative of a desired audio signal to be listened to; a
providing device adapted to provide a second non-audio signal
representative of a partially-cancelling, phase-altered ambient
audio signal; a combining arrangement adapted to combine the first
and second non-audio signals in providing a combined non-audio
signal; and a second outputting device adapted to convert the
combined non-audio signal into a heard audio signal.
94. A system according to claim 93, wherein the providing device is
adapted to provide a preset said second non-audio signal.
95. A system according to claim 94, wherein the providing device is
adapted to provide selectively another, differing preset non-audio
signal.
96. A system according to claim 93 and configured to provide
selective sound cancellation, allowing differentiation between
wanted and unwanted sounds.
97. A system according to claim 93, wherein said providing device
is adapted to provide also a substantially fully cancelling,
phase-altered, third non-audio signal and said combining
arrangement is adapted to combine the first, second and third
non-audio signals in providing said combined non-audio signal.
98. Apparatus comprising an item consisting of any one of the group
consisting of a telephone, a mobile phone, a television, a karaoke
machine, a computer, a Hi-Fi, a surround-sound system, a games
console, and an in-vehicle audio device, the apparatus comprising
only one microphone, which is included in said item, and having a
capability of playing audio files for a user to listen to, wherein
the microphone is capable of detecting ambient sound and the item
further comprises: a phase-altering arrangement adapted to alter
the phase of sound detected by the microphone to provide a
phase-altered non-audio signal; and a combining arrangement adapted
to combine the phase-altered non-audio signal and a representative
non-audio signal representative of a desired audio signal from a
stored audio file prior to a user's listening to a heard audio
signal consequent upon combining of said phase-altered non-audio
signal and said representative non-audio signal, wherein the
phase-altering arrangement is adapted to alter the phase of sound
detected by the microphone to provide said phase-altered non-audio
signal in the form of a partially-cancelling, phase-altered
non-audio signal.
99. Apparatus according to claim 98, wherein said phase-altering
arrangement serves to alter the phase of sound detected by the
microphone to provide also a substantially fully cancelling,
phase-altered non-audio signal.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method of, and a system for,
enabling a hearer to hear desired sound while also being able to be
aware of ambient sound. The invention is particularly, but not
exclusively, applicable to cancelling sound, a system for,
cancelling sound and an item comprising sound-cancelling
apparatus.
[0002] It has become increasingly commonplace in recent years for
people to listen to music and other audio supplied from mobile
telephones and music players through in-ear phones or headphones
which are so-called "enclosed", i.e. are significantly isolated
acoustically from ambient sound. This has the disadvantage that the
listener is unaware of ambient sound which he would definitely wish
to hear, such as a warning of danger.
[0003] Many sound cancelling methods/applications are known in the
art but generally are based on the same principle, namely, sound
cancelling is achieved by creating a copy of a digital or analogue
audio signal, reversing the polarity of the signal to create a
corresponding `negative` signal and then combining the two signals
to achieve a total sound cancelling effect. The inherent problem
with the known art is that this sound cancelling process cannot
distinguish between wanted and unwanted sounds. Existing methods
automatically assume that all background sound is unwanted and,
therefore, are unsuitable for use as a sound cancelling system on
mobile phones or on hearing aids where the user may need to be able
to have a conversation or to be able to hear what is going on
around him. To date, sound cancelling use has been limited because
of the requirement to isolate acoustically a user who wears, for
example, headphones (or earphones or headsets of any description).
At present, expensive headphones/earphones are required for sound
cancelling devices. Furthermore, users of hearing aids and music
players, such as mp3 players, instinctively turn up the volume in
their earphones to mask any unwanted ambient sound. This is
disadvantageous as it can inadvertently cause damage to the user's
hearing and, over a sustained period of use, may lead to permanent
hearing loss.
[0004] The invention, which can be realised in mainly software or
hardware form, is aimed at eliminating or significantly reducing
the disadvantages of the known prior art.
[0005] Herein, the expression "non-audio" refers to transmission
other than by sound waves through air, usually by electrical
conduction.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of enabling a hearer to hear desired sound
while also being able to be aware of ambient sound, comprising
providing a first non-audio signal representative of said desired
sound, deriving a second non-audio signal from said ambient sound,
combining the first and second non-audio signals in providing a
third non-audio signal, and converting said third non-audio signal
into sound.
[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a system for enabling a hearer to hear desired sound
while also being able to be aware of ambient sound, comprising a
first outputting device for outputting a first non-audio signal
representative of said desired sound, a second outputting device
for outputting a second non-audio signal derived from said ambient
sound, a combining arrangement for combining the first and second
non-audio signal, and a converting device for emitting sound
converted from said third non-audio signal.
[0008] Owing to those aspects of the invention, it is possible to
enable a hearer to hear desired sound while also being able to be
aware of ambient sound, especially in circumstances where, in order
to listen to the desired sound, the hearer has deliberately
excluded hearing most of ambient sound transmitted towards his ears
through the air.
[0009] An "enclosed" headphone user equipped with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention may listen to audio from any
audio player or `phone while also listening to and
controlling/enhancing the level of surrounding ambient sound he
hears after it has been picked up by an open microphone. The
embodiment consists of a combination of audio processes, which may
be employed in a number of configurations using some or all of the
treatments of mixing, gating, equalizing, compressing, expanding
and spectral enhancing. The user does not hear anything below a set
threshold (gate), although he hears everything above it at a set
maximum level (limiter/compressor), and such settings can be
adjustable by the user, or pre-set by the supplier of the APP, or
automatically set to a level representing the average or other
ambient sound amplitude measured over a pre-determined period. The
embodiment preferably allows a user to: [0010] Hear ambient sound
while using the headphones [0011] Set maximum audio level for
ambient sound [0012] Hear only the ambient sound that exceeds a
user-, pre-, or automatically, set threshold [0013] Choose either
receiving a vibrate-only alarm or a visual message on the host
device (e.g. MP3 player), or hearing the audio (ambience) picked up
by the microphone when the threshold is exceeded [0014] Hear the
microphone signal at any time by pressing a button [0015] Adjust
the sensitivity of the microphone.
[0016] The embodiment may be constructed and configured in any
number of alternate ways to produce versions that serve many
purposes, e.g. alarm only, enhanced audio (e.g. louder), or
processed to emphasise, exclude or include particular sounds or
frequencies.
[0017] For example the embodiment can be configured to lower the
heard music of an MP3 player and allow the user to hear the signal
from the microphone when a set threshold is exceeded, or it can
stop or pause the music or simply allow the microphone signal to be
heard simultaneously with the music.
[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of partially cancelling sound, comprising:
[0019] providing a first non-audio signal representative of a
desired audio signal to be listened to;
[0020] providing a second non-audio signal representative of a
partially-cancelling, ambient audio signal; and
combining the first and second non-audio signals in providing a
heard audio signal.
[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of partially cancelling sound, comprising:
[0022] providing a first non-audio signal representative of a
desired audio signal to be listened to;
[0023] providing a second non-audio signal derived from an ambient
audio signal;
[0024] altering the phase of the second non-audio signal to provide
a substantially fully cancelling, phase-altered, non-audio signal
and a partially-cancelling, phase-altered non-audio signal; and
[0025] combining the first non-audio signal, the substantially
fully cancelling, phase-altered non-audio signal and the
partially-cancelling, phase-altered non-audio signal to provide a
heard audio signal.
[0026] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a system for partially cancelling sound,
comprising:
[0027] a first outputting device for outputting a first non-audio
signal representative of a desired audio signal to be listened
to;
[0028] a providing device for providing a second non-audio signal
representative of a partially-cancelling, phase-altered ambient
audio signal;
[0029] a combining arrangement for combining the first and second
non-audio signals in providing a third non-audio signal; and
[0030] a second outputting device for converting the third
non-audio signal into a heard audio signal.
[0031] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a system for partially cancelling sound,
comprising:
[0032] a first outputting device for outputting a first non-audio
signal representative of a desired audio signal to be listened
to;
[0033] a providing device for providing a second non-audio signal
derived from an ambient audio signal;
[0034] a phase-altering arrangement for altering the phase of the
second non-audio signal to provide a substantially fully
cancelling, phase-altered, non-audio signal and a
partially-cancelling, phase-altered non-audio signal;
[0035] a combining arrangement for combining the first non-audio
signal, the substantially fully cancelling non-audio signal, and
the partially-cancelling non-audio signal in providing a third
non-audio signal; and
[0036] a second outputting device for converting the third
non-audio signal into a heard audio signal.
[0037] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention,
there is provided apparatus comprising an item consisting of any
one of the group consisting of a telephone, a mobile phone, a
television, a karaoke machine, a computer, a Hi-Fi, a
surround-sound system, a games console, and an in-vehicle audio
device, the apparatus comprising only one microphone, which is
included in said item, and having a capability of playing audio
files for a user to listen to,
[0038] wherein the microphone is capable of detecting ambient sound
and the item further comprises:
[0039] a phase-altering arrangement for altering the phase of sound
detected by the microphone to provide a phase-altered non-audio
signal; and
[0040] a combining arrangement for combining the phase-altered
non-audio signal and a representative non-audio signal
representative of a desired audio signal from a stored audio file
prior to a user's listening to a heard audio signal consequent upon
combining of said phase-altered non-audio signal and said
representative non-audio signal.
[0041] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of cancelling sound, comprising:
[0042] transmitting a desired audio signal towards a listener in a
space and through air in said space containing said listener;
[0043] providing a non-audio signal representing unwanted ambient
sound;
[0044] altering the phase of the non-audio signal to provide an at
least partially cancelling, phase-altered non-audio signal; and
[0045] combining a non-audio signal representing the desired audio
signal and the at least partially cancelling, phase-altered
non-audio signal to provide an audio signal received by the
listener.
[0046] Owing to those aspects of the invention, it is possible for
the hearer to eliminate unwanted ambient sound, typically allowing
him to hear more music at lower volume, so as not to damage his
hearing. Further, it is possible for the hearer to enjoy the
benefits of sound cancelling without the traditional limitations
and also possible to include a number of groundbreaking features
that improve a host device in terms of functionality and practical
use, whilst improving user health and safety for
headphone/earphone/headset dependent products and utilities.
[0047] Advantageously, embodiments of the invention allow
headphone/earphone/headset users to choose the ambient sounds they
want to hear, if any, and at a comfortable volume. Thus, a user is
able to listen to music or make a call whilst the selective sound
cancelling (SSC) eliminates, or significantly reduces, unwanted
background sound, whilst allowing him to hear `naturally required
ambience` such as the sound of a doorbell or an alarm. Furthermore,
the user may be able to cancel, or significantly reduce, unwanted
sound in any room, hall, or any venue. A typical application would
be where a user wishes to cancel out any unwanted ambient sounds in
a room while watching TV, listening to the radio or, even, just
having a conversation. Embodiments of the invention can be
incorporated into hardware such as `phones and televisions (TVs) or
used in web streaming websites (computers), or music players and
systems.
[0048] Advantageously, embodiments of this invention allow a user
finely to adjust the phase shift amount delay time, allowing him to
make up for the natural delay time in processing the ambient audio
signal, and allow compensation for the difference in the time it
takes for sound to travel to the user's ear and the microphone.
Preferably, some of the compressor settings may be available to a
user and/or variable gate settings may be made available to the
user to allow the user to determine when and how the gate acts, and
for how long.
[0049] A preferred embodiment of the present invention uses the
disclosed system/method and hardware and, in particular, an
innovative algorithm that allows headphone users to benefit from
advanced selective sound cancelling technology using standard
generic headphones, whilst retaining audio awareness of immediate
surroundings when so desired. Further, it allows sound cancelling
to be enabled on a telephone (mobile or not) or anywhere, where
two-way conversations are required--this being impossible whilst
using current sound cancelling solutions.
[0050] It is possible to introduce a number of previously
unavailable features to all audio devices, including mobile
`phones, mobile `phones with music playing capacity, MP3 players,
and websites (streaming), which increases the functionality and
usefulness of the host device upon which embodiments of the
invention are employed. Such embodiments enable the introduction of
many groundbreaking benefits that are not otherwise available
through the known art and which will be clearly discernable by
those skilled in the art, as exemplified herein.
[0051] Embodiments of the present invention can be tailored to work
on systems that depend on loud-speakers (or any other sound
emitting devices). Examples of these are loud-speakers in cinemas,
halls, and rooms--such as living rooms--meeting rooms and open-plan
offices, in addition to open spaces. For these utilities, a number
of high-quality microphones and sound reproduction loud-speakers
may be used in this configuration depending on the type of sound
that needs cancelling and the acoustic characteristics of the
venue. The microphones are, typically, strategically placed near
the sources of unwanted sound. The loud-speakers are placed around
the hearer(s). Acoustic specialists can then calibrate the relevant
embodiment of the invention so that it only cancels out the
undesired sound and transmits both the desired sound and any
desired ambient sound.
[0052] The following terms are well-known to those skilled in the
art but a brief definition has been included for completeness.
[0053] `Phase shift` is where the waveform of an analogue or
digital signal is altered. A 180 degree phase shift produces an
inverted waveform (typically) and a 90 degree phase shift causes a
partial inversion.
[0054] A `Compressor` is a processing algorithm that limits or
expands the dynamics in signals. For example, a compressor can make
loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder. There may be variable
settings that affect the threshold before the compressor acts, such
as, the speed and way it acts.
[0055] A `Gate` is an algorithm that turns a signal on and/or off.
Gates may also be triggered by external sources or devices, and
feature a `side chain` facility which means other processes (such
as equaliser--EQ) can add to or control the behaviour of the
gate.
[0056] `EQ` is an abbreviation for equaliser, and is a process that
allows the user to cut or boost particular frequencies in the
frequency spectrum of a signal.
[0057] A `Spectral Enhancer` is a process that improves the sonic
quality of an audio file by adding to and manipulating harmonics,
to produce a desired effect.
[0058] Other standard processes such as automatic gain control (to
balance audio levels) may be used to condition the sounds to be
heard--these are common procedures that have been omitted for the
sake of simplicity from the embodiments shown in the accompanying
drawings.
[0059] In order that the invention may be clearly and completely
disclosed, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0060] FIG. 1 is schematic drawing of a selective sound cancelling
system;
[0061] FIG. 2 is a representation of an application interface
through which the sound cancelling system can be operated;
[0062] FIG. 3A is schematic drawing of a simplified, selective,
sound cancelling system;
[0063] FIG. 3B is a schematic drawing of a less simplified,
selective, sound cancelling system;
[0064] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a sound cancelling system
and shows Sound Cancelling Mode A;
[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a sound cancelling system
and shows Sound Cancelling Mode B;
[0066] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a sound cancelling system
and shows Sound Cancelling Mode C;
[0067] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a sound cancelling system
and shows Selective Sound Cancelling--Hearing Aids;
[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a sound cancelling system
and shows Non-Microphone Sound Cancelling;
[0069] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a sound cancelling system
and shows Speaker-Based Selective Sound Cancelling;
[0070] FIGS. 10 and 11 are representations of respective simple
application interfaces for operating the system;
[0071] FIGS. 12 to 15 are representations of advanced application
interfaces for operating the system, the interfaces being where
respectively ambience, compression, EQ and limiter settings can be
fine-tuned;
[0072] FIGS. 16 and 17 are representations of application
interfaces for operating the system and through which settings may
be stored and recalled/imported, respectively;
[0073] FIG. 18 is a representation of a karaoke interface for
operating the system;
[0074] FIG. 19 is a schematic drawing of a basic system applicable
particularly to circumstances in which a listener to desired audio
is using "enclosed" ear-or headphones;
[0075] FIG. 20 is a schematic drawing of a relatively simple
example of a system within that basic concept;
[0076] FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing of a less simple example of a
system within that basic concept;
[0077] FIG. 22 is a diagram of an "iPhone".RTM. `phone to which an
app. (application) corresponding to the example of FIG. 21 has been
uploaded; and
[0078] FIG. 23 is a schematic drawing of a simple system applicable
particularly to circumstances in which a listener to desired audio
using "enclosed" ear-or headphones wishes to exclude as much as
feasible of ambient sound.
[0079] FIG. 1 shows an overall selective sound cancelling system to
exemplify application of an embodiment of the invention to a modern
music-capable mobile `phone. This example is intended to explain
the features employed to create a selective sound cancelling system
and method and it should not be taken as a limitation of how and
where the invention may be used. The specific example used is an
Apple.RTM. iPhone.RTM. `phone, as it is the simplest to describe.
The built-in microphone of the mobile `phone and/or an additional,
external microphone can be used. The system may be configured to
work with two or more microphones. The system can work with all
headsets, including generic ear-bud headphones. However, it works
best when used with `enclosed` ear-or headphones. It should be
mentioned that "FX" means "effects".
[0080] In the iPhone.RTM. example, a user may upload a software
`app.` (application) to his iPhone.RTM. mobile `phone to enable the
system and provide an application interface which operates the
system. The user turns on the `app.` and is presented with a
screen, exemplified in FIG. 2. This Figure represents one simple
interface, others being exemplified in FIGS. 10 and 11, which
provides limited adjustment of sound cancelling parameters.
[0081] In a first mode of operation--in which no audio awareness is
required--with the user wearing his ordinary headphones or
earphones, the fader labelled `calibrate` may be adjusted up or
down until ambient sound is totally eliminated or vastly reduced.
The user need not do anything else if he desires not to hear any
ambient sound and he may simply press "play" on his usual music
player. Following this type of adjustment only, the user may enjoy
the music while hearing minimal or no background sound--which
provides the advantage of the user's being able to hear more of the
music at lower, safer levels of volume. If the `phone is used to
make a call in this first mode, then the `app.` pauses until after
the user has finished.
[0082] As a further possibility, the user may use the system to
reduce or eliminate ambient sound without listening to music.
[0083] In a second mode, where audio awareness is required, in
addition to the steps mentioned above with respect to the first
mode, the user moves the fader labelled `ambience` until he can
hear his immediate surroundings at a desired level. The ambience
fader allows the user to choose how much of the background sound he
hears and allows him to hold a conversation, whilst eliminating or
significantly reducing unwanted sound. The effects of both the
ambience fader and the calibrate faders allow the user to listen to
music, make `phone calls, and hold live conversations, whilst
retaining audio awareness of his immediate surroundings with active
selective sound cancelling. In addition to the above, the user may
use the `app.` to `noise cancel` the receiver sound during a phone
call before that sound is transmitted to a recipient caller, which
makes conversation for both parties easier and clearer at lower
levels of volume--and allows easier and clearer conversations in
areas of high background sound--for example when making a call in a
windy environment.
[0084] In particular, the system allows a user to eliminate,
practically all, if not all, background sound, even while listening
to music, and still be able to hear things like a police siren,
fire alarm, doorbell, or someone talking to him.
[0085] As exemplified in FIG. 3A, the system can allow a selected
portion of the ambient sound received by the microphone 2 to be
emitted by the headphones 11 in addition to the desired audio
corresponding to the electrical output signal from the desired
audio source 9. FIG. 3B shows a less simplified schematic of
selective sound cancelling; the system produces the effects
described above by taking a signal from the microphone (Mic) of the
mobile `phone and phase-shifting it to produce a cancelling
phase-altered signal. Typically this is done by altering the phase
of the signal by 180 degrees (further allowing the user to
fine-tune the phase shift + or -1 to 5 degrees in each direction).
Those skilled in the art will know that, to produce a
fully-cancelling phase-altered signal, some leeway is required in
the number of degrees of phase shift, as the amount of shift
required for correction is affected by numerous external factors,
for example wind direction and speed. The phase-altered signal is
processed and fed into the headphones, causing the sounds to
`cancel` each other out. However, as mentioned herein, this
application of the system and method is only suitable when the user
desires to cancel out all background ambience--as described in
relation to the first mode of operation. For the second mode of
operation, in addition to the above, the system takes a second
identical signal from the Mic and produces a partially-cancelling
phase-altered signal. Typically this is done by altering the phase
of the signal by 45 degrees (although the amount of phase shift can
be any partially-cancelling phase shift). This phase-altered signal
is further processed to affect individual frequencies, volume, and
other audio characteristics using EQ, compression, gates, and/or
spectral enhancers, to achieve a desired effect. When this signal
is fed into the headphones, no further noise cancelling is provided
so that it remains audible. A user may now listen to music on his
telephone while retaining a safe level of audio awareness.
[0086] Advantageously, this system allows a user to listen to his
headphones in a number of useful modes such as: `total sound
cancelling` of all ambient sounds; `alarm mode`, where the user
wishes to be alerted by, e.g. a fire alarm, a police siren or even
when someone in the user's immediate vicinity talks to him; or
`audio awareness mode`, where a user can control and turn down the
background ambience he hears--allowing him to retain audio
awareness of his immediate surroundings while listening to music or
other audio, or when making or receiving a call on his music
playing telephone.
[0087] An advanced interface is shown in FIGS. 12 to 15. Through
the advanced interface the user has the option to edit key
sound-cancelling parameters, allowing him effectively to choose the
ambient background sound he wants to hear. For example, a user may
want to `noise cancel` the sound of train tracks whilst being able
to hear a message over a train's public address system. A number of
other innovative features are accessed via the advanced mode. FIG.
12 shows the range of features that can be accessed through the
`ambience` tab, for example, threshold, range and gain. FIG. 13
shows the range of features accessible through the `compression`
tab, for example, threshold, ratio, attack, release and gain. As to
FIG. 14, this shows the features of EQ which may be adjusted
through the `EQ` tab, for example, hi, hi-mid, mid, lo-mid, and lo.
A more sophisticated EQ may be used, for example, band filtering
with an adjustable Q factor. FIG. 15 shows the range of features
that are adjustable through the `limiter` tab, for example min.,
max., sensitivity and gain.
[0088] FIGS. 16 and 17 show the interface through which advanced
setting may be stored and recalled. A number of blank preset
settings are provided for a user to save his own preferred
settings. In addition, factory-set presets can be accessed from
this interface.
[0089] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show Modes A to C for sound cancelling.
Mode A relates to selective sound cancelling and shows one or more
optional microphones. Mode B relates to maximum sound cancelling.
In Mode C, the features enclosed in dotted lines can either be
user-controlled via a software interface (see FIG. 1) or be
included in an external controller unit.
[0090] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, which
exemplifies selective sound cancelling on hearing aids. Hearing aid
users often find themselves caught in a vicious circle that results
in damaging their hearing--it is instinctive for a user to turn up
his hearing aid as his hearing deteriorates or when there is a lot
of background sound. This can accelerates hearing loss. This
embodiment solves this and other associated problems by cancelling
out unwanted background ambient sound. This allows the user to hear
more easily and at much safer levels of volume--preserving his
hearing. In particular, hearing aids can be modified to include the
present system. An optional external controller may be added to the
hearing aid allowing a user to fine-tune what sound to cancel--to
suit personal preference and requirements; in particular,
components enclosed by the dotted lines could be incorporated in an
external hardware module allowing users to fine tune the system to
work according to their needs or preferences. Alternatively, a
number of presets can be programmed into the hearing aid to work in
various modes, e.g. selectively to reduce unwanted ambient sound
such as machinery, motor cars, trains and/or aeroplanes.
[0091] FIG. 8 shows a further alternative embodiment which is a
non-microphone version. The system may employ representations of
common sound factors as presets--in effect allowing non-Mic devices
to work with the system and without the use of a microphone, e.g.
standard mp3 players. The `app` for non-Mic platforms may contain a
number of presets such as `airplane mode`, where the sound to be
cancelled is engine or cabin sounds. A user also has the option of
using and creating his own previously recorded sound samples to
serve as counter signals for sound cancellation. For example, a
user can record ambient sound using a mobile phone, save the file
as an MP3 and import it to his MP3 player to be used as the sound
source to cancel. In this mode the system allows a user to
synthesise the sound he wants to cancel (i.e. not hear). Further to
this, the system may employ an external microphone, allowing it to
be used on any music player. There are a wide range of headphones
that feature a built-in microphone, allowing mp3 hardware and all
other audio delivery systems to work with the system.
[0092] A further alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 9 and is
directed towards speaker-based selective sound cancelling.
Variations of the system can be used to suit specific applications.
For example, a living room may require a 4-microphone
configuration, whilst a large hall may require 30 microphones. An
audio specialist would need to advise on placement of microphones
and loud-speakers, and calibrate the system. This is useful for
eliminating or significantly reducing unwanted background sound in
rooms, in open-plan offices, in cinemas, concert halls, meeting
rooms, and even at open-air events. The actual positioning of the
microphones and loud-speakers would be determined after a full
acoustic survey by an acoustic specialist who would also advise on
the selective sound cancellation configuration and on the equipment
required, e.g. the number of microphones and loud-speakers. A
living room example, with a television set, three noise-receiving
microphones and six noise-cancelling loud-speakers, is shown in
FIG. 9. The system illustrated in FIG. 9 allows a user to tweak the
remote control until optimal settings are achieved. In more complex
situations, such as open plan offices or theatres, calibration
would be completed by a trained specialist. In particular, it is
noteworthy that a microphone is positioned in front of each source
of unwanted sound in FIG. 9. Further, loud-speakers are positioned
near the unwanted sound. Therefore, with the loud-speaker emitting
a cancelling, phase-altered signal of that unwanted sound,
sound-cancelling is achieved. Although not shown, if a door bell
were to chime, that sound would not be cancelled--unless desired by
the user--and thereby would alert the user.
[0093] FIG. 18 shows a karaoke interface, particularly a multitrack
recorder, in which mode a user can record vocals or any instrument
such as guitar or drums. The user may adjust features, such as
vocal, reverberation, delay and compressor, along with the master
volume. Through this interface the user may adjust the
sound-cancelling effects produced and save, import, export
files/settings together with the normal play, etc. functions.
[0094] The following possible additional features of the system are
now described in brief detail.
[0095] The `app.` which implements the system can be designed to
accept software plug-ins. The definition of a plug-in, as used on
this system, is a separate piece of compatible software that can be
used in conjunction with the system to add new features. Once a
user has installed the `app.` on his device he can download or
otherwise acquire an `add on` piece of software (plug-in) that is
used by the main `app.` to add or increase functionality. For
example, a user can download a voice-changing or reverberation
effect plug-in.
[0096] The system may feature a recording facility allowing a user
to record meetings, messages, memos, or karaoke, with active
selective sound cancelling. The recorded file can be played back on
any music player and can be exported to any external device, e.g.
PC or MP3 player and sent via mms or e-mail [and can be listened to
by any caller].
[0097] The system may be incorporated into an external hardware
unit that can feature a microphone to work on standard mp3 players,
hearing aids or other devices that do not have microphones. Other
hardware, such as external controllers (wired or wireless) in the
form of faders, knobs, or touch screen, may be used to control the
sound-cancelling parameters [and other features such as EQ, delay,
reverberation etc.].
[0098] The system can be configured to make any mobile `phone or
(microphone equipped device) function as a powerful fully-featured
hearing aid, with many advantages over traditional hearing aids
stemming from selective sound-cancelling functionality.
[0099] The system may be configured to make any mobile `phone or
(microphone equipped device) into a powerful fully-featured
listening device that can also transmit over the Internet (if the
device is Internet-enabled) or as a normal telephone call.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 19, in this basic concept ambient sound is
received by a microphone which transmits an electrical output
signal representing the ambient sound to a treatment stage which
receives another electrical output signal from a source of desired
audio, such as music from a digital audio player (MP3). The two
signals are combined, (with or without other treatment) and the
resulting electrical signal is supplied to "enclosed" ear-or
headphones and converted into audio heard by the wearer of the
ear-or headphones.
[0101] In the example illustrated in FIG. 20, the electrical output
signal from the microphone is gated such that, upon the ambient
sound represented by that electrical output signal exceeding a
predetermined volume, the gate begins to output an electrical
signal to a mixer which also receives the electrical output signal
from the source of desired audio (e.g. an MP3 player). The gate
threshold is adjustable by the wearer using, for example, a slider.
The wearer can also adjust the microphone volume by means of, for
example, another slider. The electrical output signal from the
mixer is supplied to the ear-or headphones the audio output volume
from which is controllable by the user by means of, for example, a
slider providing, in effect, a master volume control.
[0102] In an alternative example, the gate may have, in addition to
the one threshold, an upper threshold, preferably settable
independently of the lower threshold--or maybe even set by the
manufacturer--to safeguard the wearer against extremely loud
sound.
[0103] In the example shown in FIG. 21, a visual representation of
the electrical output signal from the microphone and thus of the
ambient sound is displayed. The electrical signal is again gated
and the wearer can set the threshold. If the gate threshold is
exceeded, the gate output may result in a vibratory, visual or
audio alert if the wearer has chosen to switch an alert mode
control "ON". The gated ambient sound volume represented by the
gated electrical output signal can be adjusted by the wearer and
the adjusted signal input to a mixer which receives the electrical
output signal from the desired audio source (e.g. an MP3 player).
The electrical output signal from the mixer is again fed to the
ear-or headphones and a master volume control is again
provided.
[0104] FIG. 22 shows an "iPhone.RTM." touch-screen `phone into
which has been uploaded what we call our Awareness!.TM. app. The
various features thereof will now be described progressing in a
continuous loop around the `phone from the top left-hand corner
thereof. Tapping the left-hand end of the track scroll switches to
the next previous track whilst tapping to the right-hand end
thereof switches to the next following track. Alternatively,
swiping left to right or right to left between those ends switches
to the next previous or next following track. Tapping at the
"essency".TM. supplies help and other information. Tapping at
"Awareness!".TM. overrides the desired audio source and leaves
simply the output derived from the ambient sound. If the LED (light
emitting diode) representation is green, this means that the gate
threshold has not been exceeded. If it turns red, this means that
the threshold has been exceeded. In the event that, as is the case
with this app. example being described, there are upper and lower
gating thresholds, these may be set, as indicated by the lines
"T-hi" and "T-lo", by carrying out a vertical pinching action on
the screen. Shown on the screen is a 3D background with vertical
lines which indicate presence and amplitude of ambient sound. The
`phone can be shaken to cause shuffling of the tracks in a random
manner. The screen can be locked. Various settings, such as those
for the gating threshold and the volumes can be set through sliders
which are displayable upon the screen. The vibratory alert can be
turned on or off. The microphone can be switched on or off by
tapping or the finger can be held down to set the microphone output
level and sensitivity. The iTunes library can be accessed. The
screen can be swiped horizontally to raise or lower the player
volume. Shown is screen 1 of the app. If it is inactivated for more
than three seconds, the various controls disappear from the screen
leaving only the 3D background, which is screen 2. With the player
controls shown, pressing and holding the left or right button
scrolls the music. Pressing the central button can produce "play",
pressing it again produces "pause" and pressing and holding it
returns the track to the beginning. If all three buttons are
swiped, their positioning on the screen and their sizes become
selectable, so that the user can resize them or drag them
individually to anywhere on the screen.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 23, the inversion 5, as regards both
amplitude and frequency of the electrical output signal 3 from the
microphone 2, means that no ambient sound is mixed in at 8,
although of course that does not prevent a minor proportion of the
ambient sound reaching the ears of the listener in other ways.
[0106] While the various embodiments of the invention have
generally been described as treatments relating to the volumes of
sound heard by the hearer, the invention is applicable also to
treatment of frequencies of such sounds, or to both frequencies and
volumes of such sounds.
* * * * *